Subaru Impreza 5-Door

Subaru Impreza 5-Door, 2008

Developed around the product concept of new, more refined designs for comfort, the latest Impreza incorporates sophisticated styling and rich interior design, roominess and space, and outstanding comfort and utility, while offering a pleasant and safe ride enhanced by Subaru Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) with the Horizontally-Opposed engine.

Advanced core mechanism
The new Impreza showcases a redesigned chassis, body construction and drivetrain, as well as substantially improved overall performance, under the theme "Only Subaru can deliver such attractive performance and values."1 It also provides a pleasant ride with ease of handling and integrates performance with advanced safety and environmental considerations.

Chassis
The newly designed double-wishbone rear suspension effectively absorbs shocks from road surfaces, ensuring high levels of ride comfort and agile handling.
The lower center of gravity, enabled by the Boxer engine, has been enhanced by mounting the engine slightly lower in the chassis, thereby further improving stability.
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), available on a wider grade range of the Impreza lineup, increases active safety.

Body construction
Additional use of high tension steel and reinforced joints has greatly improved rigidity.
Streamlined body construction, while ensuring safety, makes weight reduction possible, which in turn improves fuel economy and maneuverability.
Engines and transmissions
The 2.5-liter Boxer engine features ideal power output characteristics under a practical range of driving speeds through improved mid- to low-end torque. The engine has also been modified to improve emissions and fuel efficiency.
The 2.5-liter SOHC normally aspirated engine adopts a new intake port and other design changes that make improved low-end torque and fuel efficiency possible. Improved emissions were realized by a new catalyst system that optimizes catalyst efficiency.
Incorporating a newly designed intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger, the 2.5-liter DOHC turbocharged engine delivers improved mid to low-end torque and fuel efficiency.
Transmissions, both manual and automatic, were modified for faster, more responsive shifting and better maneuverability.

Safety
Advancing the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure with front and rear crumple zones, the new Impreza has realized high levels of safety and crash worthiness.

Refined styling and elegant interior design
The new Impreza combines sporty styling with ample interior space and integrates functionality with elegance.

Exterior design
Refined styling is highlighted by a perfectly proportioned body, well calculated panel curves that reflect light and shadow in harmony, and quality details.

Sweeping character lines on both sides express a sense of speed and individuality.
A sporty image is underscored by projecting front fenders and rear quarters.
Projector lamps, used in the headlights, give a dynamic three-dimensional appearance.

5-door model
A clean and elegant line flows continuously from the front grille, up the A-pillar, across the roof down to the rear gate.
An aerodynamic rear spoiler, standard on all models, heightens the car's sporty image.

4-door model
The rear overhang is 165 mm longer than on the 5-door model, which gives the car a more elegant sedan look.

Interior design
Spacious and open interior provides comfort and improves visibility.
Aluminum-look insets in the center panels and door trim add a sporty feel and airiness.
The navigation screen, as well as the vehicle information and audio displays are placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.
High-grade, double-stitched seat fabrics provide a feeling of quality.
Packaging and utility
The new Impreza rides on a 95-mm-longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which enables expanded interior space.
The all-new double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a wider and deeper luggage compartment, enhancing the utility of the car.

The 4-door model provides a larger trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. The rear seats feature standard 60/40 split backs, giving pass-through access to the trunk.
Larger door openings, which are enabled through new sash construction, afford improved ingress and egress, and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.
The door panels house molded recesses that can hold 720-mL PET bottles.

Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester 2008

The new Forester has realized ideal proportions that provide ample interior space and offer improved utility without substantially enlarging the body size.

The new Forester is 110 mm taller (excluding the roof rail) and 45 mm wider, and its wheelbase has been expanded by 90 mm, increasing interior space and improving riding comfort. On the other hand, the overall distance between the ends of the right and left door mirrors has been shortened by 10 mm through mirror position and design changes. Also, the minimum turning radius was made shorter by 0.1 meter for zippy handling.

Off-road capability is further improved by optimization of approach and departure angles, coupled with a generous 225-mm ground clearance.

The double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a deeper and wider luggage compartment. This enhances the utility of this car that already features cargo area tie-down hooks and a DC12V/120W power outlet, as well as a push button switch for folding down the rear seatbacks.
Larger door openings, which are enabled through new sash construction, afford improved ingress and egress, and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.

Through the enhancement of body rigidity, less road noise reaches the interior of the car. All door openings are sealed with double-layered weather stripping placed along the door trim for the optimal pressure to tightly seal the doors and ensure a quieter ride.

The multi-functional center console provides a spacious compartment that can accommodate an A4-size notebook PC and a purse of equivalent size. It also incorporates a removable tray that can be used to hold portable media players and cell phones. The console compartment has a sliding lid that is cushioned on top to serve as an armrest.
Exterior design
Streamlined, yet sculpted styling evokes images of powerful, well defined muscles carved out of stone.
Sharply defined character lines running from the sides of headlights to the tail lights, combined with boxed front fenders and projected rear quarter panels, accentuate a more pronounced SUV profile.

The center of the redesigned front grill is metallic gray in color, making a sharp yet elegant contrast to its chrome-plated contours.
Headlamps are chrome-plated on the inside to project the light outward evenly. Rear lights are clustered and designed to highlight a luminous and translucent look in the rear styling.

17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with distinctively sculptured spokes emphasize the vehicle's commanding presence and high quality. 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels also feature sharp lines of spokes, expressing high quality and smartness.
Interior design
Decorative insets with a brushed aluminum-look flow from the center panel of the dashboard to the door trim, adding spaciousness and airiness in the interior and stressing sportiness in the cockpit. Rich and refined interior design is accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as by the door trim, embellished with metal-finish panels for window and door switches.
The vehicle information display, which constantly shows outside temperature, average mileage and time on the digital clock, as well as a navigation screen and audio display, are placed nearer the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.

The front seat cushions employ highly resilient urethane materials that effectively absorb vibration during a drive.

Drivetrain
An expanded ground clearance further improves the off-road capability of the vehicle. The raising of the clearance does not alter the low center of gravity that is attained by mounting the engine low in the vehicle, thereby securing outstanding vehicle stability.

4-speed AT models are equipped with the Sportshift gear selection. By optimizing the final gear ratio and torque convertor characteristics, as well as through reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance and fuel economy has been improved. The N Control System on AT models automatically shifts the transmission back to neutral from driving positions after the brake pedal is depressed for some time. Gear shift operation has also been enhanced by the redesigned shift lever positions and the use of roller bearings.

The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0XT model offers three different modes of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.

Gear ratios on MT models, from the second through the five-speed, as well as the final drive gear ratio, have been modified to improve driving performance and fuel economy. Reducing friction inside the transmission also contributes to better gear shift operation on MT models.

The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on AT models. MT models come with the center differential AWD system with viscous LSD (limited slip differential). Both AWD systems distribute optimal power to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle stability.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is standards on all models. Fed by information gathered by sensors that monitor vehicle and road conditions, the VDC coordinates the engine, transmission, and brakes in order to recover the vehicle's position should unstable movements occur on a slippery road.

2.0-L DOHC engines on the 2.0X and 2.0XS
Fuel economy has been improved with the redesigned DOHC cylinder head, as well as through optimization of the compression ratio and reduction of the volume of the combustion chamber.

Low-end and mid-range torque is improved, while better fuel economy and lower gas emissions are achieved, primarily through design changes in the engine that generate a stronger tumble gas flow and raise gas intake efficiency.

The use of AVCS contributes to higher power output, while fuel economy is also achieved by improving combustion efficiency through the optimized timing of valve openings and closings.

With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine's intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.

Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency.
The twin mufflers expand the muffler capacity, bringing noise levels down even lower and reducing exhaust back pressure.

2.0-L DOHC Turbo engine
A newly developed DOHC cylinder head is used in this engine. The intake port and the combustion chamber have been redesigned to reduce residual gasses, thus raising combustion efficiency.

By using a resin-based intake manifold, the inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow. The weight is also reduced by 30% compared to the earlier manifold.

A design change in the cooling water channel around the spark plug further prevents engine knocking and also helps improve low-end and mid-range torque output.

The injector nozzle has been redesigned to atomize fuel and finely disperse it into the combustion chamber for improved combustion. This also helps reduce harmful substances in emissions.
The twin mufflers expand the muffler capacity, bringing noise levels down even lower and reducing exhaust back pressure.

Subaru Legacy concept at the Chicago Auto Show

Don't let the concept tag fool you because the Legacy concept that Subaru introduced at the Detroit Auto Show News is basically what the 2010 Legacy will look like when it goes on sale this summer with the exception of minor tweaks.

Subaru Legacy Wagon JDM

Subaru Legacy Wagon JDM

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, announced the launch of the fully redesigned Subaru Legacy series across Subaru dealerships in Japan.

Under the product concept of "Grand Touring Innovation", the fifth-generation new Legacy offers a comfortable passenger compartment and excellent environmental considerations, while further enhancing its unique driving performance and safety, featuring Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with a Horizontally-Opposed (BOXER) engine as Subaru's core technology.
For 20 years since the birth of Legacy's first generation in 1989, the Legacy series has evolved in line with the philosophy of grand touring, "Better distance, better comfort and better safety" carried on consistently and improved over years of development. It has offered distinctive values fitting with the times, for instance, it established excellent driving performance as a driver's car and outstanding functionality as a touring wagon. This unique product development has received high praise from a great number of our customers making the Legacy one of Subaru's most representative models with 3.6 million vehicles owned in the world.

Concept

In addition to focussing on enhancing "Driver's fun", a key value carried on consistently since the first generation, the new Legacy was developed to create new values such as "Passenger's fun" and "Eco performance", under the concept of "Grand Touring and Innovation".

= Driver's fun - Superior driveability and the enjoyment of driving which have been pursued since its first introduction.
= Passenger's fun - Spacious and comfortable compartment for all passengers to enjoy while driving.
= Eco performance - Confidence in driving and safety with enhanced environmental considerations.

Package

The increased length, width and height from the previous model provide spaciousness to all the seats. In addition to the widened rear trunk/rear gate opening, the cargo capacity was increased.
Through adoption of doors with attached sash, the enlarged rear door opening provides improved accessibility to the rear seats.
Optimization of pillars secures a wider field of view for the drivers. A minimum turning radius of 5.5m was also achieved.
The incorporation of the electronic parking brake eliminates the need for the hand brake lever, allowing a spacious front passenger compartment. The concave shape of the front seat backs provide ample legroom for rear passengers.

The exterior

With boldness and presence as a theme, newly designed exterior evokes not only comfortable and ample passenger compartment, but also Legacy's sporty look and high functionality.

Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon: Best balance of functionality and comfortable interior space. B4 (Sedan): Legacy's sportiness inherited from the predecessor. Outback: Enhanced image of boldness and toughness.
For Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon and Outback, the D-pillars were re-envisioned to project freshness, with Legacy's characteristics maintained.
Chrome mouldings around the windows accentuate presence with a quality feel.

Interior

The new interior design imparts a feeling of spaciousness and comfort as well as quality emphasized by shading expressions and material texture.
The seats with wide seating surface and redesigned cushions excel in comfort and support. By increasing the amount of slide and lift of the driver's seat, settings can be more finely tuned to better meet drivers' needs.

The audio and the navigation

Two settings are available for manufacturer equipped options: LEGACY premium sound system with acoustic field tuning, designed specifically for Legacy, and LEGACY McIntosh sound system.
HDD navigation supporting G-BOOK ALPHA is equipped with high-definition VGA8 inch monitor and rear view camera.

2.5-litre SOHC engine

Displacement from the existing 2.0-litre was increased by 500 cc, achieving smooth and comfortable driving with lower-range torque.
The improved engine head cooling performance, resin-based intake manifold, and optimized piston shape contribute to reducing weight and friction.
Combined with Lineartronic™ that has excellent transfer efficiency, the driving performance and fuel efficiency are well balanced.

2.5-litre DOHC turbo engine

Displacement from the existing 2.0-litre was increased by 500 cc. The peak torque is sustained smoothly from 2,000 rpm to the higher rpm ranges to realize superior driving performance.
The turbocharger unit was placed directly under the forward part of the engine. This layout increases response with smoother turbo-charging and improves fuel economy.
The exhaust system layout including the catalytic converter was optimized, enhancing the exhaust emission control performance.

3.6-litre DOHC engine

Featuring an increased displacement from the existing 3.0-litre engine without significantly growing in size, the new 3.6-litre engine offers excellent driving performance and environmental friendliness with smooth revolution performance and ample torque from the lower rpm ranges. It is also economical by using regular grade fuel.

Transmission - Lineartronic™

A chain-type variator (main speed variator) was adopted. The compact design provides legroom in the front seats, while the fuel economy was improved especially in the over-drive range through excellent transfer efficiency.

Making good use of the advantages of a chain-type CVT, the Lineartronic™ employs smaller pulley cores, which makes the unit compact. Due to the significant size difference between the smallest and largest pulley core diameters, it provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios, helping to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range and to achieve excellent dynamic performance.
With perfect balance of torque delivery and engine revolutions, it delivers linear and smooth acceleration matching to the driver's intention.
The manual mode uses six pre-selected gear ratios that allow the driver to shift manually using the steering wheel paddle shift controls. The shift response occurs within 0.1 seconds or less, instantly responding to the driver's intention.

Transmission - E-5AT

E-5AT with high-density control and a smooth gearshift feeling was adopted. Friction and weight were reduced internally, improving the fuel economy.
The improved downshift blipping control enhances the gearshift response in manual mode. Smooth downshift contributes to reducing shocks when shifting gear.
6-speed manual transmission
The lightweight, compact 6-speed manual transmission was newly designed. In addition, the specially designed gear ratio provides improved dynamic performance and fuel economy.

Chassis

In line with "Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept" (Subaru DC3), chassis and body were further advanced to provide a feeling of reliable, comfortable and superior driveability.
A new engine cradle was newly designed as a powertrain mounting system. It not only helps reducing noise and providing more refined ride and stability, but also improves front impact safety.
Strut type and double-wish bone type suspensions are used respectively for the front and rear. Excellent driveability and smooth ride comfort were achieved not only through the installation of the front suspension arm to the cradle, but also through the damper structure modification and the optimized geometry.
An electronic power steering system was adopted for all models. Along with the increased fuel economy, linear steering was realized.
The electronic parking brake is standard equipment for all models. An electronic Hill Holder System in the parking brake is automatically activated if the vehicle stops on any hill with a slope of more than 5%.
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) is standard equipment for all models. For E-5AT model with 2.5-litre DOHC turbo engine, slip predictive control using the electronic power steering sensor was adopted.

Body

Use of high-tensile steel in critical body parts contributes to weight reduction and higher overall rigidity.
The cradle structure mounting characteristics provide lightweight, sufficient strength and rigidity around the front body, providing excellent handling control and stability.

Safety

For front impact, the engine cradle frame folds inwards and causes the power unit to slide downwards, thus creating a greater zone of protection for the cabin space. In addition, the structure allows the main frame to absorb the impact more efficiently.
For side impact, the high-tensile steel is used inside the B-pillars and side sills. The energy produced on rear impact is effectively absorbed through the optimized frame construction.
SRS driver's and passenger's airbags, SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are installed (except for 2.5i and 2.5GT).
Newly designed high-strength front seat frames and energy-absorbing headrests provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in rear-end collision.